I’m feeling overwhelmed right now. My father recently passed away, and as his only child, I’m facing a complicated situation. There was no will, and even though I moved out a few years ago, my mom has been living in the house with him despite their divorce. I never probated the house or transferred it to my name, which I anticipate could cause issues if I decide to file a claim through State Farm.
My main concern is whether I should file a claim or handle the repairs out of pocket. The condition of the house has worsened significantly; my mom hasn’t maintained it well. Prior to my dad’s passing, it had already been problematic—there are areas where the floor is bubbled and others that are sunken. Once, when the upstairs toilet overflowed, it caused the chandelier in the kitchen to fall. Over the last 20 years, my dad only filed a claim to replace the carpet, but that didn’t address the underlying issues. Now there are holes in the ceilings, floors, and walls, and I’ve even noticed rats. You can hear them scratching within the walls and scurrying around the house.
The back deck has also detached from the house and is falling apart. I feel terrible for my mom, and I’m unsure where to start in addressing these problems or who to reach out to for help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Edit: I suspect that the holes and the issues with the floor being sunken or swollen might be due to a leak, possibly underneath the house, but I’m not certain. I understand that insurance typically won’t cover pest problems like rats, but I wanted to know if the other damage could potentially be claimed, especially if it results from something like a leak.
I’m really sorry to hear about your father’s passing and the situation you’re facing with the house. It sounds incredibly overwhelming, especially dealing with your feelings of loss along with these practical issues.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the process regarding the estate and the house. Since your father didn’t leave a will, the property may need to go through probate, especially since you want to claim it as part of his estate. It might be worth consulting with a probate attorney to understand your rights and how to move forward with that process. They can help clarify if you need to formally take ownership of the property before dealing with any claims or repairs.
Regarding the issues with the home, it seems like there may be some serious underlying problems that need to be addressed, such as potential leaks. If you believe these issues stem from something insurable like a leak, it could be worth filing a claim with State Farm. However, be aware that insurance companies can be tricky when it comes to older claims or pre-existing conditions. Before filing, gather as much documentation as possible, including photos and any history of past claims or repairs.
If you’re not comfortable handling this alone, consider reaching out to a home inspector or a contractor who can assess the property. They can help identify the major problems and give you a better idea of which repairs are urgent and how to prioritize them. They may also be able to suggest workarounds for pest issues like the rats.
In the meantime, if it’s possible, you might consider temporary fixes to make your mom more comfortable while you figure out a longer-term plan. Even small changes, like sealing up entry points to keep the rats out, can make a big difference.
It’s understandable to feel lost in this situation, but taking it one step at a time can help to ease some of the burden. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from family, friends, or professionals who can lend their expertise. You’re not alone in this, and there are resources available to help you navigate both the emotional and practical aspects of this situation.